Olimbia N. Filipski
Olimbia N. George Filipski October 9th 1930 – April 23rd 2020
Olimbia N. George Filipski, age 89 of Boston, MA, died peacefully April 23rd 2020 at her home after a short illness. Devoted wife of 49 years to the late Ronald Filipski. Beloved mother of the late Pamela Filipski; Cathy and her husband Patrick Madigan of Milton, MA; Jay and his partner Steven Mousterakis of Watertown, MA; R.J. Filipski and his wife Marianne of Manhasset, NY. Caring sister to the late Mildred (Buksar) and Constance (Holmberg) George. Doting Nana to Audrey, Patrick, Cooper, Cecile, Lily and Michaela. Cherished friend of too many to count — old and young — near and far.
Bea was born in October of 1930 in Southbridge, MA. Her parents Nicholas and Catherine were first generation Albanian immigrants; a heritage she took much pride in. She spent much of her youth amongst a tight-knit community of Albanian immigrants in Southbridge, fostering close relationships within it while maintaining the culture of the country from which her family came. In her young adulthood, Bea spent much of her time with her friends traveling to cities in the Northeast, while working at the American Optical Company as an Administrative Assistant. In May of 1958, Bea married Ronald Filipski, a local football star and AT&T executive. During their marriage, Bea and Ron had four children — Pamela, Cathy, Jay and R.J. — of whom they were very proud. After her own children grew up, Bea provided daycare services for the children of educators in the Glastonbury, CT school system. Through her work, Bea created life-long relationships with those she cared for over the course of 15 years. Soon after the birth of her grandchildren, Bea and Ron moved to the Boston area where Bea became a cherished volunteer at the Tucker Elementary School Library in Milton, MA. Affectionately known as “Nana Bea”, her dedication to the library continued well after her grandchildren passed through Tucker, and was an adored member of the Tucker community. In 2018, she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association. Olimbia was well known for her fiery spirit, loving heart, and personable demeanor. These qualities allowed her to create countless close friendships in every place that she lived.
Given the current national health situation, dates for the Funeral service and Celebration of Life reception in Glastonbury, CT are still being finalized. The family will be back in communication once those dates have been determined.
In lieu of flowers and to keep Bea’s spirit alive, please consider making a donation to either of the following places, which were very important to her – St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church and the Tucker Elementary School Library. Please make sure to state these donations are in memory of Bea Filipski.
Her father, Nicholas George, was one of a group of Albanian immigrants who built the church in the 1920s. Bea began her journey through life here and made so many lifelong friends in Southbridge. You can mail a donation to The St Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church Memorial Fund, 126 Morris Street, PO Box 650, Southbridge, MA 01550.
Bea’s loving spirit was never more evident than in the many years she served as a volunteer at the Tucker Elementary School Library in Milton, MA. While there, “Nana Bea”, as she was affectionately known, was a kind & positive influence on the lives of hundreds of children. The donations will be used to set up a memorial gift in her name. You can mail a donation to: Cathy Madigan, 382 Brush Hill Road, Milton, MA 02186.
If you prefer, you can also send a donation for either cause via PayPal at rjfilipski@gmail.com or Venmo at @RJ-Filipski.
Guestbook Entries
Tucker School is so saddened to hear of Bea’s passing. Nana Bea was loved by all and will be missed. We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
This is very sad news and a loss for everyone who knew Bea at Tucker School in Milton. As Tucker librarian for the last several years, I had the pleasure of working with Bea, who was a beloved figure among students and staff. She was kind and open-hearted, sharing her wisdom and humanity from a lifetime of experiences both joyous and sad. She connected with those who, like her, had known great loss, and she was a model for how to persevere with grace. She spoke with fondness of her upbringing among tolerant people of many faiths and backgrounds. Her love of her family and the Tucker community she served with dedication and selflessness always shone through. How fitting that her family has chosen to honor her work at Tucker Library in a final act of generosity.
Dear Cathy, Jay and RJ,
Les and I are deeply saddened by the death of your dear Mom. We have treasured her friendship over the last three plus decades. We have such fond memories of the times our families spent together and the times we spent with only Bea. She loved you and your families with passion, and that love was returned to her. Sincerest sympathy to each of you. We shall miss her.
Much love,
Mary Ann
We will miss you Bea, we do already. You were a loving Sister at heart to us both. God, may he
bless you with his mercy, and grace. Sleep well dear heart.
My deepest condolences to family and friends. God, in his mercy, has blessed us with our memories of Bea. She lives on in our hearts as a truly remarkable, loving soul. I will miss her lightheartedness, warmth, and that smile that showed you in a million ways that she cared. God rest your soul Bea.
Dear RJ, Cathy, and Jay,
We are so sad that Bea has left us. She was a part of OUR family and was one of the most colorful women I’ve ever met. Oftentimes we hear about the “Greatest Generation” in terms of the men of WWII and of industry – Bea exemplifies the female GG. Spitfire, Hard-Worker, Mother, Entrepreneur, Grandmother, Friend, Baseball Fan, Librarian, Opinionated: Lover of Chili’s, Hater of the Cape and the Sox – loved by all who knew her, including our three children. Gone but will always be remembered lovingly. We love you too
What sad news! I volunteered alongside Nana Bea at the Tucker Library and what a presence, what love, what dedication and commitment to our beloved Tucker School. One would think every child in the school was her grandchild because she treated them kindly with such love and warmth. What a huge loss for the loving Madigan family. My sincere and deepest condolences to all her family and friends. I will miss that quick hug at all the school concerts , she was always beaming. Always. May your sweet soul RIP
Bea was a neighbor to us for many years at the Estuary. She was a kind, fun woman. My kids were very sad when she moved but think of her fondly as she would always give them a few cookies or slip them a dollar. She always said “thank you for sharing your kids with me.” I was very sad to hear of her passing but will always remember her smile. I know you are up in heaven with Ron now.
Dear Cathy, Jay and RJ,
We are very sad to hear of Bea’s passing as she was such a bright light in our lives for many years. She was a second mother for me growing up and filled the house with love. Shannon and I will continue to try and live up to the great example of Bea and Ron as parents and as people. Bea touched so many lives and we will miss her. We love you all.
So so sorry to hear of Nana Bea’s passing. What an amazing woman who made such an impact on so many. Thinking of you all. Xoxo
The Palmers (Jen, Lou, Luke, Mac & Annie)